Middle East to India Deepwater Pipeline (MEIDP) Crossing of the Owen Fracture Zone

The Middle East to India Pipeline (MEIDP) will provide an economic and secure source of gas for India, where the demand for energy will continue to increase over the coming decades. The proposed pipeline will be the deepest major infrastructure pipeline and will be laid in water depths exceeding 3000m for significant sections of the 1200km route.

This paper will summarise the findings of the 2013 geophysical reconnaissance survey with particular focus on the Owen Fracture Zone (OFZ) crossing, where the continental plate boundary between the Arabian and Indian tectonic plates meet forming a right lateral strike slip fault movement zone. The movement on the plate boundary will be investigated and examples of survey data will demonstrate the challenges that need to be overcome in crossing this major geohazard feature. The results of the survey will be discussed together with details of the geohazard design process required to identify a feasible route and necessary intervention works at this feature to bring this project closer to reality.